Jeremiah 38:5 Meaning and Explanation
“Then Zedekiah the king said, Behold, he is in your hand: for the king is not he that can do any thing against you.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →King Zedekiah surrenders authority to the princes, refusing to protect Jeremiah.
The Context of Jeremiah 38:5
Zedekiah allows the princes to act against Jeremiah.
What Does Jeremiah 38:5 Mean?
Zedekiah's response shows a king without backbone. He does not defend Jeremiah, deny the charges, or claim royal prerogative. Instead he transfers responsibility: the prophet is now in the princes' hands, beyond the king's control—or so Zedekiah claims.
This abdication reveals Judah's political paralysis. Zedekiah fears both the Babylonian army outside and the princes within his own government. His passive surrender makes him complicit in whatever harm befalls Jeremiah, and it foreshadows his later weakness when confronted with the same choice.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jeremiah 38:5
What does Jeremiah 38:5 mean?
King Zedekiah surrenders authority to the princes, refusing to protect Jeremiah.
What is the context of Jeremiah 38:5?
Zedekiah allows the princes to act against Jeremiah.